This Day in Rock History: October 7

On this day in rock history, John Lennon's lengthy battle to remain in the U.S. came to an end. New York State Supreme Court Judge Irving Kaufman reversed a deportation order, allowing the former Beatles star to legally remain in America. The decision also heralded a huge shift in Lennon's career. His son Sean was born just days later, leading to John's nearly five-year retirement from the music business.

The Beach Boys' Little Deuce Coupe, which focused entirely on the awesomeness of cars, became one of the earliest examples of a rock concept album. More amazing than that: This third studio project, in another show of creative force from mastermind Brian Wilson, emerged just one month after the Beach Boys' previous LP, Surfer Girl.

Dire Straits' self-titled debut also arrived on this date, though its success and importance took longer than it should have. Critics gave the album positive reviews, but Dire Straits remained more popular in the U.K. and Australia than they were in America. A couple of agonizing months later, stateside fans finally caught on, sending Dire Straits to the upper reaches of the album charts and their breakthrough single "Sultans of Swing" to Billboard's Top Five.

Watch an exciting recap of many of the day’s biggest rock anniversaries above, narrated by our radio host Zach Martin. And learn more about these important events by clicking the links below.